2026 Winter to Spring TRENDS: 7 Must-have looks

I confess I’ve been more of a bystander recently in terms of fashion, or just took my time with feeling more comfortable rather than breaking boundaries in terms of style in my everyday way of dressing. I missed the occasions, there’s only so much sophistication that you can bring upon yourself to school drop off early in the morning before you rush off to the gym and then to the rest of the day. Later in the day somehow for me… my sartorial passion was lost… hence why I found myself in recycled outfits (which I actually salute!), basic looks, boring pairings, comfort over style more often than not – while at the same time reading and seeing winter trends 2026 everywhere! Beautifully dressed up women in blizzard cold shooting outfit pics and reels faster than I had my morning coffee.

I failed in practice and became lazy, or prioritised differently. Does that make me less savvy?

I would like to think not. So for all us women over 40 looking to regain our style back, to get more daring or creative with outfits beyond the planning and the proverbial scroll – I am you and you are me, and surely we can talk about the trends and pieces we must get behind in what’s left of 2026 winter and straight into a chilly but hopefully sunny spring 2026.

Let me just say 2026 is a mix of all that is best so far in fashion, a return to the best parts of 80s and 90s, a comeback to simplicity versus statement, a boldness in choices and a celebration of staple strong looks such as leather, animal print, lace, satin, suede, vibrant colours etc.

What do we wear though from February to April 2026?

Faux fur.

Mark my words but faux fur will forever remain fashionable. Ever since it broke through in fashion on the runways it kept changing and evolving so we saw a lot in terms of shape, size, colours, texture. 2026 is more about real like faux fur and puffy-shaggy coats. From waist length to oversized and floor sweeping – they are all in.

Some pieces have became dated. I know I have quite a few faux furs that seem a bit off and old, though I’ve only worn them a few times. The colours are less on par with 2025-2026… the length is mid, instead of super long or short, the fabric is more fur carpet rather than fluffy or shaggy. I will keep them nonetheless because well I love clothes, and everything comes back.

2. Fashion boots.

This is personal for me because I haven’t worn boots this winter almost at all. Sadly. I have recently discovered the infamous UGG mini boot and I’ve basically lived in those. Tragic really… so as a way of redemption I am summoning boots for spring (and late winter). When it comes to the trendy pieces of today the sleek versions are in as opposed to the heavy combat styles which are suddenly losing ground. Kitten heels are in instead of block heels, black boots are having a major comeback, animal print, high, tube like, not sock like styles.

However – biased still – (I own 3 sock ankle kitten heel boots)… and I am not ready to give them up. Surely they would still work with a pair of long loose jeans, no?

Think Kardashian inspired. Not very avantgarde, hardly actually, but just to paint a picture for you.

3. Animal print

Bambi prints, zebra, leopard. It’s a jungle out there and I am loving every minute of it. Long gone are the days of animal print being a trend. It became a staple and a neutral. It goes with anything while also being statement.

4. Minimalism.

This trend had been knocking on our doors for a while, it took Love Story: Caroline and JFK for it to become mainstream, coveted, and turned into an instagram outfit obsession. THIS brings me sadness because while I adore everything minimalist and especially Caroline’s aesthetic form the 90s – the truth is all these girls today who all look the same are turning an era and mood (which was based on carelessness, and throw on last minute outfits kind of vibe) into and ‘aesthetic’. Which it wasn’t. It was personal and it was style. Yes the recipe is there: black and white, no this not that. But it does not an icon make. It’s another uniform.

I will however take this new trend and put it in my pocket for those days when I feel prettier in less than im more. I like to think I’m minimalistic, when in fact I’m probably just boring. So… I leave this one for the savy minimalistic sartorials. I do pray one day I enter this group if only for just a little bit.

5. Maximalism

Now shut te front door. And pile on everything that you can. Of course this is what some people think maximalism is… and for some people it works, I swear to God. They can throw on all the crazy pieces and pull it off. Others look insane doing the same. My take on this is that I do love some Copenhagen street style maximalism (read circus inspired looks) however, part of me (the serious 44 year old woman) likes to think there’s more to maximalism than piling onto whatever catches your eye. No?

6. Mixed fabrics.

This is the one trend that always drops by when fashion becomes transitional. So now is the time to mix winter knits with spring floras, or luscious satin. Suede with silk, high and low. Bundled at the neck but rocking a bare back par example. Covered up in fur but bare legs or bare midriff. It’s a magnificent time to dress.

7. Floor length coats.

They’ve been around for a while, and winter had them front stage. With spring coming there’s no better outwear than a long coat on a crispy morning. It covers us, it’s sleek, elegant, great for office, while not being too thick. Maybe it’s just a personal choice, but it is an amazing piece to throw on over a thin top or dress in early spring.